File Photo: Egypt is considering applying a new tax on using the beaches of the North Coast (Photo: Al-Ahram)
Red sea Governor Amr Hanafi announced on Saturday the closure of all beaches in the governorate after they were seen packed with people during the hours prior to the 7 pm to 6 am coronavirus curfew.
Governor Hanafi directed authorities to close the beaches starting Saturday and until further notice.
The governor urged people to stay at home and to go out only when it is urgent.
Hanafi warned that legal measures will be taken against violators of the precautionary measures adopted by the government to limit the spread of the virus.
On Tuesday, Egypt imposed a two-week night-time curfew from 7 pm to 6 am as part of stricter measures to tackle coronavirus.
Egypt also extended the two-week suspension of study in schools and universities -- that should have ended on March 29 -- for 15 more days, and closed all coffee shops and restaurants except for delivery services.
Pictures of of beaches packed with people in Ain Sokhna and Alexandria were circulated on social media over the weekend causing a lot of controversy.
Social media users criticised beach-goers for ignoring calls for staying at home and practising self-isolation and social distancing despite the threat of the virus.
“A number of citizens took advantage of the lockdown period and went to the beaches to to hang out, and others organised trips to Alexandria from neighbouring governorates," Alexandria governorate said in a statement on Friday.
Alexandria consequently decided to close its beaches starting Friday morning.
Egypt on Friday recorded six coronavirus deaths and 41 new cases, bringing the total to 536, including 30 fatalities.
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